Splicing device and splicing method

ABSTRACT

A splicing device and splicing method in which automatic and accurate splicing is performed by inserting two carrier tapes into the device. The splicing device including cutting devices for cutting the tail end of number one carrier tape and the leading end of number two carrier tape at a predetermined cutting position; a positioning device for indexing number one and number two carrier tapes towards each other respectively to splicing position at which positioning pins engage with indexing holes of the number one and number two carrier tapes; and a joining device which, with splicing tape affixed to connected protective tape positioned at the splicing position, folds protective tape and joins the splicing tape to both surfaces of number one and number two carrier tapes straddling thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a splicing device and splicing methodfor automatically connecting the tail end and leading end of two carriertapes.

BACKGROUND ART

Typically for component mounters, a carrier tape holding multipleelectronic components at fixed intervals is wound onto a reel, and bymoving a sprocket which engages in indexing holes provided in thecarrier tape, the carrier tape is indexed a fixed amount each time sothat an electronic component is supplied to a supply position, and thecomponent is picked up by a suction nozzle and mounted onto a circuitboard.

For this type of component mounter, when the remaining quantity ofelectronic components held in one reel becomes small, the leading end ofa carrier tape wound around a different reel which holds the same typeof electronic component is connected using splicing tape to the tail endof the carrier tape for which the remaining quantity has become small,in other words, splicing is performed. An item with this type ofsplicing function is disclosed, for example, in PTL 1.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   PTL 1: JP-A-2007-335595

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, because splicing is currently performed by manual work, thereis a risk of the pitch of the connection section of the two carriertapes being deviated, leading to errors occurring during imageprocessing when picking up electronic components, due to the end of acarrier tape being cut at an angle or a gap being created in theconnection section. Further, especially when the electronic componentsare small, there is a risk that the electronic components cannot bepicked up and pickup errors occurring due to deviation in the pitch ofthe connection sections.

Also, because it is manual work, there is the problem that splicingrequires a lot of time, so splicing work cannot be completed while themachine is operating, which means that the component mounter must bestopped, thereby lowering production efficiency.

The present invention is an item which solves the above current problemswhose object is a splicing device and splicing method which can performsplicing automatically and accurately by two carrier tapes beinginserted into the device.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problems, the invention from claim 1 is asplicing device which connects number one carrier tape and number twocarrier tape provided with cavities for storing components and indexingholes at fixed intervals using splicing tape, comprising: number one andnumber two cutting devices for respectively cutting at a predeterminedcutting position the tail end of number one carrier tape and the leadingend of number two carrier tape; a positioning device for indexing numberone and number two carrier tapes cut by the number one and two cuttingdevices in a direction towards each other and for positioning them at asplicing position at which positioning pins engage in the indexing holesof number one carrier tape and the indexing holes of number two carriertape; and a joining device which, at the splicing position, usessplicing tape indexed in a direction perpendicular to the indexingdirection of the number one and number two carrier tapes, wherein thesplicing tape, with the attachment surface to be connected of number oneand number two carrier tapes as the outer side, is affixed usingintervals in the length direction of connected protective tape, and withthe splicing tape positioned at the splicing position, folds theprotective tape and joins the splicing tape to both surfaces of thenumber one and number two carrier tapes straddling thereof.

According to the above configuration, the cutting of the carrier tapesand the joining with splicing tape for splicing the two carrier tapescan be performed automatically, and it is possible to eliminatedeviation in the pitch of the connection sections of the two carriertapes which arises during conventional manual work. By this, theoccurrence of pickup errors and image processing errors due to deviationin the pitch of the connection sections can be controlled.

Further, by performing splicing automatically, the time required forsplicing can be reduced, and by this, splicing processing can becompleted without stopping the component mounter, and, as well ascontrolling the occurrence of image processing error and the occurrenceof pickup errors, the efficiency of the component mounter can beimproved by a large amount.

The invention from claim 2 is the invention from claim 1 characterizedin that connected base paper is attached to the attachment surface ofthe splicing tape, and a supply reel with the base paper, the splicingtape, and the protective tape wound around in a roll shape is used.

According to the above configuration, because the base paper, splicingtape, and protective tape are wound around the supply reel in a rollshape attached to each other, the splicing tape can be continuouslyindexed by setting the supply reel on the splicing device, and supply ofthe splicing tape to the splicing position can be performed easily.

The invention from claim 3 is the invention from claim 1 or claim 2characterized in that metal is embedded in the splicing tape, and theprotective tape is indexed a predetermined amount and the position ofthe splicing tape is determined at the splicing position based on thesignal of a metal detection sensor for detecting the metal.

According to the above configuration, because the position of thesplicing tape is determined at the splicing position by detecting themetal embedded in the splicing tape with a metal detection sensor, theposition of the splicing tape can be accurately determined at thesplicing position without being affected by factors such as stretch inthe protective tape.

The invention from claim 4 is the invention from any one of claim 1 toclaim 3 characterized in that the joining device has an engaging memberwhich engages with the positioning pins or positioning holes of thepositioning device.

According to the above configuration, a positioning device whichpositioned two carrier tapes respectively with positioning pins, and ajoining device which positioned protective tape with positioning pinscan be engaged with each other in a fixed relationship. By this, whenjoining the splicing tape, the splicing tape can be joined in anaccurate position with respect to the two carrier tapes, and thesplicing accuracy can be improved.

The present invention from claim 5 is a splicing method which connectsnumber one carrier tape and number two carrier tape provided withcavities for storing components and indexing holes at fixed intervalsusing splicing tape, wherein, as well as the tail end of number onecarrier tape and the leading end of number two carrier tape being cutrespectively at a predetermined cutting position, connected protectivetape being indexed in a direction perpendicular to the indexingdirection of number one and number two carrier tapes, and the positionof splicing tape affixed to the protective tape being determined at thesplicing position; the cut number one and number two carrier tapes areindexed in a direction towards each other, the indexing holes of numberone carrier tape and the indexing holes of number two carrier tape areengaged with the positioning pins provided at the splicing position, theprotective tape is folded back, and the splicing tape is joined to bothsurfaces of number one and number two carrier tapes straddling thereof.

According to the above configuration, splicing processing for connectingtwo carrier tapes can be performed automatically, deviation in the pitchof connection sections of carrier tapes which arises during conventionalmanual work can be eliminated, and the occurrence of pickup errors andimage processing errors due to deviation in the pitch of connectionsections can be controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tape feeder suitable for an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing carrier tape held in a tape feeder.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the entire splicing deviceindicated in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the splicing device with the lid open.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the splicing device with the splicing tapeloaded.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the supply reel wound with splicing tapewhich is used in the splicing device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the affixing state of the splicing tape onthe protective tape.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the attached state of the protective tape,splicing tape, and base paper.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the base paper indexing device.

FIG. 11(A) is a top view of carrier tape to be connected in the splicingdevice and FIG. 11 (B) is the carrier tape viewed from the side.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the types of carrier tapes which can beconnected in the splicing device.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the splicing device with the housing andlid removed and the interior exposed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic outline of the splicing device.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart to illustrate the splicing preparation processesof the splicing device.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the carrier tape insertionprocess of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the carrier tape cavity detection processof the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the process for positioning the cuttingpoint of the carrier tape of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 19 is a diagram to illustrate the calculation process for thecutting point and cavity pitch of the carrier tape of the splicingpreparation processes.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the pressing process around the cuttingpoint of the carrier tape of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the cutting process at the cutting point ofthe carrier tape of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the cutting process of embossed carriertape of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the completed state of cutting at thecutting point of the carrier tape of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the process for positioning the carriertape at the splicing position of the splicing preparation processes.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the joining device of the splicingdevice.

FIG. 26 is a top view showing the joining means.

FIG. 27 is a front view from the direction of arrow 27 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a right side view from the direction of arrow 28 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a left side view from the direction of arrow 29 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a cross section showing the relationship of the carrier tapeand splicing tape at the splicing position.

FIGS. 31(A), (B) and (C) are cross section views along the line 31-31 ofFIG. 29 showing the splicing operation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention based onthe figures. FIG. 1 shows tape feeder 10 which is removably loaded ontothe component supply device of a component mounter, and reel 12 withcarrier tape Tc wound around is removably attached to tape feeder 10.

Carrier tape Tc, as shown in FIG. 2, is formed in a long, narrow mannerwith a predetermined width, and is provided with multiple cavities Ctarranged lengthwise at a fixed pitch, and components (electroniccomponents) e to be mounted on a circuit board are stored respectivelyin these cavities Ct. The upper section of cavities Ct is open andcovered by cover tape Tt (refer to FIG. 3) which is affixed to thesurface of carrier tape Tc.

Along one edge in the widthwise direction of carrier tape Tc, indexingholes Hc are formed at the same pitch as cavities Ct, or at twice thepitch of cavities Ct, such that these indexing holes Hc have a fixedpositional relationship with cavities Ct.

Provided in tape feeder 10 is a fixed amount indexing mechanism 18 forindexing carrier tape Tc wound around reel 12 by fixed amounts andsupplying electronic components e one by one to component supplyposition 17 provided at the tip section of tape feeder 10. Fixed amountindexing mechanism 18 is rotatably provided on the main body of tapefeeder 10, and comprises sprocket 19 for engaging with indexing holes Hcof carrier tape Tc and a motor which is omitted from the figures forrotating sprocket 19 one pitch each time.

For carrier tapes Tc used on component mounters, there are multipletypes each with different pitches for cavities Ct, and the relationshipbetween indexing holes Hc and the pitch of cavities Ct and cavities Ctis decided based on the type of carrier type Tc. It follows that, asgiven below, by recognizing the pitch of cavities Ct by image processingor the like, it is possible to know the type of carrier tape Tc, andbased on this, the position of indexing holes Hc of carrier tape Tc canbe recognized, and the cutting position of carrier tape Tc duringsplicing can be decided.

Splicing device 20 is a device for automatically connecting the tail endof carrier tape wound around the current reel loaded on tape feeder 10loaded on the component supply device and the leading end of carriertape wound around the next reel which is to be exchanged.

Splicing device 20, as shown in FIG. 4, comprises box-like housing 21and lid 22 on the upper surface of housing 21 which can beopened/closed, and is loaded on a cart and so on which is omitted fromthe figures to be movable between tape feeders 10 loaded on thecomponent supply device of a component mounter. Lid 22 is closed duringsplicing and opened when removing carrier tape Tc after splicing.

For the two carrier tapes Tc (hereafter referred to as number onecarrier tape T1 and number two carrier tape T2) spliced by splicingdevice 20, as shown in FIG. 11, as well as number one cavities Ct1(number two cavity Ct2) in which are stored the same type of componentse1 (number two components e2) being provided at predetermined pitch Pc,number one indexing holes Hc1 which can engage with teeth 67 a (67 b) ofnumber one sprocket 61 a (number two sprocket 62 b) of number one tapeindexing device 50 (number two tape indexing device 51) given below, areformed parallel to number one cavities Ct1 (number two cavities Ct2) atpredetermined pitch Ph.

Number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are cut by splicingdevice 20 at number one and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 whichcan be anywhere and then aligned, and are spliced using splicing tape 30described below. For number one cutting point Q1 (number two cuttingpoint Q2), for example, the intermediate position between number onecavity Ct1 (number two cavity Ct2) in which there is number onecomponent e1 (number two component e2) and empty number one cavity Ct1(number two cavity Ct2) in which there is no number one component e1(number two component e2) is selected. Number one carrier tape T1(number two carrier tape T2) on which empty number one cavities Ct1(number two cavities Ct2) lie in a row after cutting is discarded asnumber one unnecessary section Tf1 (number two unnecessary section Tf2).Here, in order to leave any quantity of empty number one cavities Ct1(number two cavities Ct2), the intermediate position of adjacent emptynumber one cavities Ct1 (number two cavity Ct2) can also be selected asnumber one cutting point Q1 (number two cutting point Q2).

As shown in FIG. 12, as number one carrier tape T1 (number two carriertape T2) which can be connected in splicing device 20, there are threetypes of carrier tapes in which number one indexing holes Hc1 (numbertwo indexing holes Hc2) are formed at the same predetermined pitch Ph,but in which number one cavities Ct1 (number two cavities Ct2) areprovided at differing pitches Pc (Pca, Pcb, and Pcc). In other words,the first type of number one carrier tape T1 a (number two carrier tapeT2 b) is tape (refer to FIG. 12 [A]) provided with a predetermined pitchPca (=Ph) such that one number one cavity Cta1 (number two cavity Cta2)is present at the intermediate position of adjacent number one indexingholes Hc1 (number two indexing holes Hc2).

The second type of number one carrier tape T1 b (number two carrier tapeT2 b) is tape (refer to FIG. 12 [B]) provided with a predetermined pitchPcb (=Ph/2) such that one number one cavity Ctb1 (number two cavityCta2) each is present at the position matching number one indexing holesHc1 (number two indexing holes Hc2) and at the intermediate position ofadjacent number one indexing holes Hc1 (number two indexing holes Hc2).

The third type of number one carrier tape T1 c (number two carrier tapeT2 c) is tape (refer to FIG. 12 [C]) provided with a predetermined pitchPcc (=Ph/4) such that one number one cavity Ct1 (number two cavity Cta2)is present at the position matching number one indexing holes Hc1(number two indexing holes Hc2), and three number one cavities Ctc1(number two cavities Ctc2) are present between adjacent number oneindexing holes Hc1 (number two indexing holes Hc2).

Also, number one embossed tape T1 e (number two embossed tape T2 e) forwhich number one cavities Cte1 (number two cavities Cte2) protrude inthe thickness direction due to the height of number one component e1(number two component e2) being tall can be connected by splicing device20 (refer to FIG. 12 [D]). In the same way as the three types of tapeabove, number one embossed tape T1 e (number two embossed tape T2 e) istape in which number one indexing holes Hc1 (number two indexing holesHc2) are formed at the same predetermined pitch Ph, but in which numberone cavities Cte1 (number two cavities Cte2) are provided at differingpitches Pc (Pca, Pcb, Pcc).

Splicing device 20, as well as taking in two carrier tapes T1 and T2 tobe spliced from the left and right of FIG. 5, takes in, in aperpendicular direction to that, which is the up direction of FIG. 5.,protective tape 31 affixed with splicing tape 30 to connect two carriertapes T1 and T2. Further, the respective ends of two carrier tapes T1and T2 are joined to each other by splicing tape 30 at splicing positionLS at which protective tape 31 and carrier tapes T1 and T2 intersect.

Here, splicing tape 30 affixed to protective tape 31, as shown in FIG.30, is taken in to splicing position LS with the attachment surfacefacing up and two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are positioned above thissplicing tape 30.

For splicing tape 30, as shown in FIG. 8, on the upper surface ofconnected protective tape 31, two pieces, splicing tape 30 a andsplicing tape 30 b, which make up one set to be attached to both sidesof two carrier tapes T1 and T2 and straddling thereof, are affixed at apredetermined interval in the lengthwise direction of protective tape31. Multiple of these two pieces of splicing tape 30 a and 30 b areaffixed at predetermined intervals in the lengthwise direction ofprotective tape 31.

The upper surface of splicing tapes 30 a and 30 b consists of anattachment surface to be attached to both surfaces of two carrier tapesT1 and T2 and straddling thereof, and on this attachment surface,connected base paper 32 is attached, and the three-layer structure(refer to FIG. 9) of these base paper 32, splicing tape 30, andprotective tape 31 is, as shown in FIG. 7, wound around supply reel 33in a roll shape.

The width dimension of protective tape 31 is larger than the widthdimension of base paper 32, and the edges of protective tape 31 in thewidth direction protrude from the edges of base paper 32 in the widthdirection, and holes 31 a for indexing the protective tape are formed atfixed intervals in the lengthwise direction in those protrudingsections. On the other hand, the width dimension of splicing tape 30 isthe same as the width dimension of base paper 32, and splicing tapes 30with two pieces as one set are affixed to protective tape 31 along thewidth direction inside holes 31 a for indexing. Positioning holes 30 a 1are respectively formed in splicing tape 30 a which is one of the twopieces of one set at the same pitch as indexing holes Hc1 and Hc2 formedin carrier tapes T1 and T2, and positioning holes 31 b are respectivelyformed in protective tape 31 at the same pitch as indexing holes Hc1 andHc2 formed in carrier tapes T1 and T2 at a position adjacent to splicingtape 30 b which is the other of the two pieces of one set.

Here, holes 31 a for indexing and positioning holes 31 b formed inprotective tape 31 are formed by a punching press or the like aftersplicing tapes 30 a and 30 b are affixed to protective tape 31 in aspecified position so to be aligned with positioning holes 30 a 1 formedin splicing tape 30 a.

In splicing device 20, as shown in FIG. 6, rotatable supply reel 33wound in a roll shape with the three-layer structure which includessplicing tape 30, base paper indexing device 35 for indexing base paper32 peeled from splicing tape 30, and protective tape indexing device 36for indexing protective tape 31 peeled from splicing tape 30 arearranged along the line sideways from splicing position LS at which twocarrier tapes T1 and T2 are spliced.

For the attachment strength of base paper 32 and protective tape 31attached to both sides of splicing tape 30, the attachment strength forprotective tape 31 is stronger, so that splicing tape 30 is not peeledfrom protective tape 31 even when base paper 32 is peeled from splicingtape 30.

However, when carrier tapes T1 and T2 are attached to the attachmentsurface of splicing tape 30 from which base paper 32 has been peeled,that attachment force is stronger than the attachment force forprotective tape 31, so that protective tape 31 can be easily peeled fromsplicing tape 30.

The three-layer structure of base paper 32, splicing tape 30, andprotective tape 31 is attached to splicing device 20 in a state woundaround supply reel 33, and the leading end thereof is pulled out fromsupply reel 33. Then, base paper is peeled and folded back by anoperator, and base paper 32 is indexed by base paper indexing device 35and discarded into a base paper collection box which is omitted from thefigures.

Base paper indexing device 35, as shown in FIG. 10, has driving gear 37and driven gear 38 each formed with gears in the outer surface. Drivengear 38 is attached such that it can contact and be separated fromdriving gear 37, and normally the outside of driven gear 38 is pressedagainst the outside of driving gear 37 by the biasing force of a springwhich is omitted from the figures. By this, driven gear 38 is separatedfrom driving gear 37 and base paper 32 is sandwiched between both gears37 and 38, and in that state, by moving driving gear 37 using a motoromitted from the figures, base paper 32 is indexed by the rotation ofboth gears 37 and 38.

Upstream of driving gear 37 and driven gear 38, contacting roller 40which can be contacted by base paper 32 guided by guide roller 39 isprovided. Contacting roller 40 is attached to an end of dog 42 which isattached such that it can be pivoted around hinge pin 41, and normallydog 42 is held at a predetermined angle and position at which sensor 43is on by a spring and stopper omitted from the figures. However, whentension is applied to base paper 32, contacting roller 40 is pressed bythe tension so that dog 42 rotates and sensor 43 turns off. By this, afixed tension can be imparted on base paper 32, and only the requiredamount of base paper 32 can be peeled from protective tape 31.

Protective tape 31 from which base paper 32 has been peeled, in otherwords, protective tape 31 (refer to FIG. 30) to which is affixedmultiple splicing tapes 30 with their attachment surfaces facing up, ismade to come across the center of splicing position LS, such that theleading end thereof is engaged with reel for indexing 46 of protectivetape indexing device 36 after passing through joining device 58 which isdescribed below. Protrusions 46 a which engage with indexing holes 31 aof protective tape 31 are formed at even intervals on the circumferenceof both edges of reel for indexing 46, and by moving a motor forindexing which is omitted from the figures and which is connected tothis reel for indexing 46, protective tape 31 which is engaged byprotrusions 46 a is indexed and protective tape 31 is discarded into acollection box which is omitted from the figures.

Metal powder is embedded in splicing tape 30 and the embedded metalpowder is detected by metal detection sensor 47. Metal detection sensor47, as shown in FIG. 8, is provided in front of splicing position LS ina position separated from splicing position LS by a fixed distance S1,and when the end of splicing tape 30 is detected by metal detectionsensor 47 through detection slit 48, from that detection position, thesplicing tape 30 is accurately positioned at splicing position LS byprotective tape 31 being indexed exactly a fixed amount S1 by the motorof protective tape indexing device 36.

As shown in FIG. 4, automatic splicing device 20 comprises number oneand number two tape indexing devices 50 and 51, number one and numbertwo component detection devices 52 and 53, number one and number twocutting devices 54 and 55, number one and number two takeup devices 56and 57, joining device 58, and control device 59 (refer to FIG. 1).Number one and number two tape indexing devices 50 and 51, number oneand number two cutting devices 54 and 55, number one and number twotakeup devices 56 and 57, joining device 58 (excluding some part), andcontrol device 59 are arranged stored inside housing 21 and lid 22.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 13, at each side of housing 21 and lid22, number one and number two tape indexing devices 50 and 51 arerespectively arranged, and number one and number two cutting devices 54and 55 are respectively arranged between number one and number two tapeindexing devices 50 and 51 (hereafter referred to as number one andnumber two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2). Further, number one andnumber two takeup devices 56 and 57 are respectively arranged betweennumber one and number two cutting devices 54 and 55 (between hereafterreferred to as number one and number two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2,and splicing position LS), and joining device 58 is arranged betweennumber one and number two takeup devices 56 and 57. And, number one andnumber two component detection devices 52 and 53 are arranged abovenumber one and number two detection positions Ld1 and Ld2 of number oneand number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b of number one and numbertwo tape indexing devices 50 and 51.

As shown in FIG. 13, number one and number two tape indexing devices 50and 51 comprise items such as number one and number two conveyance paths60 a and 60 b provided extending horizontally towards the center fromeach side of housing 21, number one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61b arranged below number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60b, number one and number two gear motors 62 a and 62 b connected tonumber one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61 b, number one and numbertwo sprocket tooth detection devices 63 a and 63 b arranged adjacent tonumber one and number two sprockets 61 a and 62 b, and number one andnumber two tape detection devices 64 a and 64 b arranged above numberone and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b. Number one and numbertwo tape indexing devices 50 and 51 are configured such that number oneand number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are conveyed along number one andnumber two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b, so that number one and numbertwo cutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two carrier tapesT1 and T2 can be positioned sequentially at number one and number twocutting positions Lc1 and Lc2 and splicing position LS.

Number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b have a slightlywider width than the width of number one and number two carrier tapes T1and T2, and are formed in a groove in a straight line extending fromnumber one and number two tape inlets 84 a and 84 b provided in eachside of housing 21 to number one and number two cutting positions Lc1and Lc2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 accordingto number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b of number one andnumber two cutting devices 54 and 55 which are described below. Further,as shown in enlarged figure A of FIG. 5 (showing only number twoconveyance path 60 b, with conveyance path 60 a being the same), numberone and number two narrow grooves 65 a and 65 b are provided in numberone and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b such that number oneand number two cavities Cte1 and Cte2 of number one and number twoembossed tapes T1 e and T2 e stored in which are stored number one andnumber two components e1 and e2 can pass through.

In other words, number one and number two plate springs 66 a and 66 bare fixedly arranged at number one and number two cutting positions Lc1and Lc2 in number one and number two narrow grooves 65 a and 65 b.Number one and number two plate springs 66 a and 66 b are bent in aconcave shape and fixedly arranged to be inclined such that they andsloping towards and diagonally above number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2. Number one and number two plate springs 66 a and66 b are members which are effective when cutting and conveying numberone and number two embossed tape T1 e and T2 e, with details describedbelow.

Multiple number one and number two teeth 67 a and 67 b are formed in acircumferential direction in number one and number two sprockets 61 aand 61 b at the same pitch Ph as number one and number two indexingholes Hc1 and Hc2 which are formed in number one and number two carriertapes T1 and T2. Number one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61 b arearranged below number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 bsuch that number one and number two teeth 67 a and 67 b which have beenrotated to the highest point among number one and number two teeth 67 aand 67 b being rotated, and number one and number two indexing holes Hc1and Hc2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 which enteralong number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b, canengage with each other.

Number one and number two gear motors 62 a and 62 b are, for example,stepping motors for which position control of number one and number twocutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1and T2 conveyed by connected number one and number two sprockets 61 aand 61 b is possible.

Number one and number two sprocket tooth detection devices 63 a and 63 bare, for example, photosensors which detect whether one of number oneand number two teeth 67 a and 67 b of number one and number twosprockets 61 a and 61 b have become vertical, in other words whethernumber one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61 b have reached theorigin position, by reading number one and number two marks M1 and M2affixed to the side of number one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61b.

Number one and number two tape detection devices 64 a and 64 b are, forexample, touch sensors which detect whether number one and number twocarrier tapes T1 and T2 have been inserted into number one and numbertwo tape inlets 84 a and 84 b provided in each side of housing 21 bycontacting number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2. Here, itis also acceptable to use a photosensor instead of a touch sensor.

Number one and number two component detection devices 52 and 53 are, forexample, photosensors which detect: the tape section between number oneand number two cavities Ct1 and Ct2, number one and number two cavitiesCt1 and Ct2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2conveyed along number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b;and number one and number two components e1 and e2 in number one andnumber two cavities Ct1 and Ct2, by the change in the amount of light.Here, it is also acceptable to use a camera instead of a photosensor.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, number one and number two cuttingdevices 54 and 55 comprise items such as number one and number twocutters 68 a and 68 b provided at number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2, number one and number two cams 69 a and 69 bwhich can slidably contact number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68b, number one and number two gear motors 70 a and 70 b connected tonumber one and number two cams 68 a and 68 b, number one and number twocutters springs 71 a and 71 b one end of which is attached to number oneand number two cutters 68 a and 68 b and the other end of which isattached to the inside of lid 22, number one and number two pressingmembers 72 a and 72 b provided to be contacting number one and numbertwo cutters 68 a and 68 b, number one and number two pressing springs 73a and 73 b one end of which is attached to number one and number twocutters 68 a and 68 b and the other end of which is attached to numberone and number two pressing members 72 a and 72 b, and number one andnumber two cutter detection devices 74 a and 74 b arranged adjacent tonumber one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b. Number one and numbertwo tape cutting devices 54 and 55 are capable of cutting number one andnumber two unnecessary sections Tf1 and Tf2 at number one and number twocutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1and T2.

Number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b are single blade cutterswith a width which is wider than number one and number two carrier tapesT1 and T2. Number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b are attachedto be movable up and down in order to cut number one and number twocutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1and T2 positioned at number one and number two cutting positions Lc1 andLc2.

Number one and number two cams 69 a and 69 b are arranged rotatablyconnected to number one and number two gear motors 70 a and 70 b and arepositive motion cams which slidably connect to number one and number twocutters 68 a and 68 b to move number one and number two cutters 68 a and68 b up and down.

Number one and number two cutter springs 71 a and 71 b are extensionsprings which bias number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b up sothat number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b return to theholding position after cutting is completed.

Number one and number two pressing members 72 a and 72 b are platemembers with a width slightly wider than the width of number one andnumber two carrier tapes T1 and T2. Number one and number two pressingmembers 72 a and 72 b are provided to be movable up and down in order topress and fix the area around number one and number two cutting pointsQ1 and Q2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2positioned at number one and number two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2.

Number one and number two pressing springs 73 a and 73 b are compressionsprings to bias number one and number two pressing members 72 a and 72 bdownwards with the lowering of number one and number two cutters 68 aand 68 b, and are springs for pressing the area around number one andnumber two cutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two carriertapes T1 and T2.

Number one and number two cutter detection devices 74 a and 74 b are,for example, photosensors which detect whether number one and number twocutters 68 a and 68 b are positioned in the cutting holding position.Here, it is also acceptable to use a touch sensor instead of aphotosensor.

As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, number one and number two takeupdevices 56 and 57 are provided between splicing position LS and numberone and number two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2, and are comprised ofitems such as number one and number two takeup members 75 a and 75 bwhich are made from number one and number two movable members 77 a and77 b and number one and number two fixed members 78 a and 78 b, andnumber one and number two takeup member moving devices 76 a and 76 bwhich move number one and number two movable members 77 a and 77 b.Number one and number two tape takeup devices 56 and 57 are configuredto be capable of respectively taking up number one and number twounnecessary sections Tf1 and Tf2 cut from number one and number twocarrier tapes T1 and T2.

Number one and number two movable members 77 a and 77 b are rotatablyattached to number one and number two fixed members 78 a and 78 b.Number one and number two movable conveyance paths 79 a and 79 b whichmake up part of number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60b, and number one and number two apertures 80 a and 80 b for taking upnumber one and number two unnecessary sections Tf1 and Tf2 of number oneand number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 conveyed on number one and numbertwo conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b are formed in number one and numbertwo movable members 77 a and 77 b. Also provided in number one andnumber two movable members 77 a and 77 b are number one and number twoducts 82 a and 82 b which guide taken up number one and number twounnecessary sections Tf1 and Tf2 into number one and number two disposalpoints 81 a and 81 b which are below number one and number twoconveyance paths 60 a and 60 b. Further, number one and number twomovable conveyance paths 79 a and 79 b, and number one and number twofixed conveyance paths 83 a and 83 b which make up part of number oneand number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b and which are capable offorming a line, are formed in number one and number two fixed members 78a and 78 b. Here, it is acceptable for number one and number two movablemembers 77 a and 77 b to be attached to number one and number two fixedmembers 78 a and 78 b to be movable up and down.

Number one and number two takeup member moving devices 76 a and 76 bare, for example, solenoids and are connected to number one and numbertwo movable members 77 a and 77 b such that number one and number twomovable members 77 a and 77 b can be moved between: number one andnumber two conveyance positions Ra1 and Ra2 at which number one andnumber two movable conveyance paths 79 a and 79 b are arranged in a linewith number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b; andnumber one and number two aperture forming positions Rb1 and Rb2 whichare where apertures 80 a and 80 b are formed in number one and numbertwo conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b between splicing position Ls andnumber one and number two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2.

Joining device 58 is provided between number one cutting device 54 andnumber two cutting device 55 and formed therein is conveyance path 60which is part of number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60b. Joining device 58 is capable of conveying along conveyance path 60and connecting number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 ofwhich number one and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 are aligned atsplicing position LS in the center of conveyance path 60 using splicingtape 30.

Next, the configuration of joining device 58 is described based on FIG.25 to FIG. 29. Joining device 58 has items such as number oneraising/lowering platform 91, retainer plate 97, number tworaising/lowering platform 101, and rotating platform 103. Legs 92 ofnumber one raising/lowering platform 91 are guided and supported onhousing 21 capable of being raised/lowered. Two each of number onepositioning pins 93 and 94 capable of engaging with each indexing holeHc of two carrier tapes T1 and T2 and positioning holes 30 a 1 formed insplicing tape 30 a are formed along the indexing direction of carriertapes T1 and T2 on both sides of number one raising/lowering platform 91with the engagement position (alignment position) of the two carriertapes T1 and T2 at the center. Each pitch of these two sets of numberone positioning pins 93 and 94 is fixed as twice pitch P of indexingholes Hc on carrier tapes T1 and T2.

Also, pin holes 95 are formed on raising/lowering platform 91 betweeneach number one positioning pins 93 and 94, and number two positioningpins 105 on rotating platform 103 described below are capable of beinginserted into these pin holes 95.

Also, moving platform 96 is guided and supported capable of being movedon housing 21 is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the lengthwisedirection of carrier tapes T1 and T2, and retainer plate 97 is attachedto this moving platform 96 above number one positioning pins 93 and 94.U-shaped grooves 98 which can house number one positioning pins 93 and94 are formed in an end of retainer plate 97, and retainer plate 97 canbe advanced and retracted between a retract point in which grooves 98are separated from number one positioning pins 93 and 94, and an advancepoint at which grooves 98 house number one positioning pins 93 and 94.

Further, legs 102 of number two raising/lowering platform 101 are guidedand supported on housing 21 capable of being raised/lowered. Rotatingplatform 103 is attached at both ends on number two raising/loweringplatform 101 capable of being rotated 180 degrees with pivot axis 104which is parallel to the lengthwise direction of carrier tapes T1 and T2as the rotational center. Pressing plate 103 a is provided on rotatingplatform 103 in a position offset from the rotational center, andmultiple number two positioning pins 105 and pin holes 106 are providedin this pressing plate 103 a. Number two positioning pins 105 arearranged in positions corresponding to each space between number onepositioning pins 93 and 94 provided on number one raising/loweringplatform 91 described above, such that they are capable of beinginserted into pin holes 95 provided in number one raising/loweringplatform 91. Also, pin holes 106 are arranged in positions correspondingto each space between number two positioning pins 105, such that numberone positioning pins 93 and 94 provided in number one raising/loweringplatform 91 are capable of being inserted into them.

By the 180 degree rotation of rotating platform 103, number twopositioning pins 105 engage with positioning holes 30 a 1 of splicingtape 30 a and indexing holes Hc of the two carrier tapes T1 and T2positioned at splicing position LS, such that a fixed three-waypositional relationship is maintained between the two carrier tapes T1and T2 and splicing tape 30 used to connect those.

Pinion 107 is attached to pivot axis 104 of rotating platform 103, andrack 108 which engages with this pinion 107 is attached to movableplatform 109 capable of being moved in a horizontal directionperpendicular to the conveyance direction of carrier tapes T1 and T2. Bythis, when moving platform 109 is moved, by the rack and pinionmechanism formed from pinion 107 and rack 108, rotating platform 103 isrotated.

Cam drum 110 is attached to housing 21 capable of being rotated aroundan axis line parallel to the rotational center of rotating platform 103,such that it is rotated slowly in a fixed direction by a moving motorwhich is omitted from the figures. Two each on the inside and outsidecam grooves 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d are formed with a no-edgeform in the circumferential direction of each on both surfaces of camdrum 110.

Number one follower roller omitted from the figures attached to leg 92of number one raising/lowering platform 91 is engaged with number onecam groove 110 a. Number two follower roller omitted from the figuresattached to moving platform 96 connected to retainer plate 97 is engagedwith number two cam groove 110 b. Number three follower roller omittedfrom the figures attached to leg 102 of number one raising/loweringplatform 101 is engaged with number three cam groove 110 c. Number fourfollower roller omitted from the figures attached to connecting member112 connected to moving platform 109 is engaged with number four camgroove 110 d.

By this, when cam drum 110 is rotated, respective raising/loweringoperation of number one and number two raising/lowering platforms 91 and101, advancing/retracting operation of retainer plate 97, and rotatingoperation of rotating platform 103 are performed in series via numberone to number four follower rollers respectively engaging with numberone to number four cam grooves 110 a to 110 d, such that number one andnumber two raising/lowering platforms 91 and 101, retainer plate 97, androtating platform 103 return to their origin positions with one rotationof cam drum 110.

Next, the splicing operation of the above embodiment is described. Whenthe remaining quantity of components e held in number one carrier tapeT1 wound around reel 12 attached to tape feeder 10 becomes few, splicingprocessing to connect the leading end of number two carrier tape T2wound around another reel in which is stored the same type of componente with the tail end of carrier tape T1 using splicing tape 30 isperformed. The component is replenished by this splicing such thatcomponent supply from tape feeder 10 can be continued.

For this splicing, normally a check as to whether carrier tape in whichthe correct component is stored has been connected, what is known assplicing verification, is performed. With splicing verification, thebarcode affixed to the old reel is read with a barcode reader and theserial ID of the component stored in the old reel is transmitted to themanagement computer. Next, the barcode affixed to the new reel is readby a barcode reader and the serial ID of the component stored in the newreel is transmitted to the management computer.

Data related to components is saved in the database of the managementcomputer by each serial ID, so a check can be performed from the readserial IDs as to whether the components stored in the two carrier tapesT1 and T2 are the same type. If the components are different, theoperator is notified by a verification error being displayed on theoperation panel and the operator performs splicing again based on this.

When this kind of splicing verification is completed, each end of thetwo carrier tapes T1 and T2 is cut using scissors. Here, normallyprovided in the end of each carrier tape T1 and T2 is a section ofseveral cm of empty cavities in which components are not stored, andthis section is cut by the operator. In this case, the cut surfaces, asdescribed clearly hereafter, are not the surfaces of the two carriertapes T1 and T2 to be aligned, they are surfaces to be cut again,therefore it is not required for them to be especially accurate.

First, among the operations of automatic splicing device 20, splicingpreparation processes are described with reference to the flowchart inFIG. 15. In the following description, descriptions are given for whenthe operator has set number one carrier tape T1 (the type shown in FIG.11 [FIG. 12 (A)]) into automatic splicing device 20 after setting numbertwo carrier tape T2 (the type shown in FIG. 11 [FIG. 12 (A)]), however,the same applies when number two carrier tape T2 is set after settingnumber one carrier tape T1.

By the power to splicing device 20 being turned on by the operator,control device 59 starts rotating number one and number two sprockets 61a and 61 b (step S1), and judges as to whether a detection signal isreceived from number one and number two sprocket tooth detection devices63 a and 63 b, in other words whether number one and number twosprockets 61 a and 61 b are at the origin position (step S2). Next, if adetection signal is received from number one and number two sprockettooth detection devices 63 a and 63 b, rotation of number one and numbertwo sprockets 61 a and 61 b is stopped (step S3).

Control device 59 judges whether a detection signal has been receivedfrom number two tape detection device 64 b, in other words, as towhether the leading end of number two tape T2 has been inserted intonumber two conveyance path 60 b from number two tape inlet 84 b (stepS4). Then, if a detection signal is received from number two tapedetection device 64 b, as shown in FIG. 16, rotation of number twosprocket 61 b is started (step S5), and number two movable member 77 bof number two takeup member 75 b is moved up and positioned (step S6) atnumber two aperture forming position Rb2.

Control device 59 judges (step S7) whether the inserted tape is numbertwo carrier tape T2, and in this case a detection signal has beenreceived from number two detection device 64 b, so it judges that theinserted tape is number two carrier tape T2 and then judges (step S8)whether a detection signal for an empty number two cavity Ct2 without anumber two component e2 in number two carrier tape T2 is received fromnumber two component detection device 53. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, ifan empty number two cavity Ct2 is detected, a judgment (step S9) isperformed as to whether that detection is the second detection, and ifit is not the second detection, the process returns to step S8 and ajudgment is performed as to whether the next empty number two cavity Ct2has been detected.

Control device 59, in step S9, in the case that the detection of theempty number two cavity Ct2 is the second detection, calculates fixedpitch Pc between number two cavities Ct2 based on the detected first andsecond number two cavities Ct2. Then, a judgment (step S11) is performedas to whether a detection signal detecting the change from an emptynumber two cavity Ct2 to a number two cavity Ct2 with a number twocomponent e2 is received from number two component detection device 53.

Control device 59, if it detects a change to a number two cavity Ct2with a number two component e2, calculates number two cutting point Q2of number two tape T2 from the number two distance D2 between thealready known number two detection position Ld2 and number two cuttingposition Lc2, and fixed pitch Pc between number two cavities Ct2calculated in step S10. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, number two tape T2 ismoved number two distance D2, number two unnecessary section Tf2 istaken up inside number two takeup member 75 b from number two aperture80 b, and the conveyance position of number two cutting point Q2 isdecided at number two cutting position Lc2.

Next, an example of processing from the above step S8 to step S13 isdescribed in detail. As shown in FIG. 19, for detection signal (lightamount) S from number two component detection device 53, if So is takento indicate the tape section between number two cavities Ct2 of numbertwo tape T2, Sa is indicated for empty number two cavities Ct2 without anumber two component e2 because the amount of light passing throughincreases, and Sb is indicated for number two cavities Ct2 with a numbertwo component e2 because the amount of light passing through decreases.

Here, point in time t1 at which detection signal S arises when there isa change from the tape section to the first empty number two cavity Ct2,and point in time t2 at which detection signal S arises when there is achange from the tape section to the second empty number two cavity Ct2are detected, and the pulse quantity of number two gear motor 62 b fornumber two sprocket 61 b is counted between point in time t1 and pointin time t2. Then, by calculating a number two tape T2 indexing amountbased on this pulse count, fixed pitch Pc between number two cavitiesCt2 can be calculated.

Next, when there is a change from empty number two cavity Ct2 to numbertwo cavity Ct2 with a number two component e2, the pulse quantity ofnumber two gear motor 62 b for number two sprocket 61 b is countedbetween current point in time t4 and point in time t3 at which detectionsignal S from that time arose. Then, by calculating a number two tape T2indexing amount based on this pulse count, the distance x between numbertwo detection position Ld2 and right edge position Lct as shown in thefigure of number two cavity Ct2 with a number two component e2 can becalculated. Also, from fixed pitch Pc between number two cavities Ct2,the center position of the tape section between number two cavities Ct2and right edge position Lct as shown in the figure of number two cavityCt2 with a number two component e2, in other words distance y to numbertwo cutting point Q2, can be calculated.

Then, by conveying number two tape T2 just the distance D2−x−ycalculated by subtracting the above distances x and y from number twodistance D2 between already known number two detection position Ld2 andnumber two cutting position Lc2, the conveyance position of number twocutting point Q2 can be decided at number two cutting position Lc2.Alternatively, by conveying number two tape T2 just number two distanceD2 after reverse conveying number two tape T2 just the above distances xand y, the conveyance position of number two cutting point Q2 can bedecided at number two cutting position Lc2.

Described above was the situation for the type of tape shown in FIG. 11(FIG. 12 [A]) as number two carrier tape T2, but for the types of tapesshown in FIGS. 12 (B) and (C), number one and number two cutting pointsQ1 and Q2 must be calculated so that the pitch after splicing betweennumber one indexing holes Hc1 of number one carrier tape T1 and numbertwo indexing holes Hc2 of number two carrier tape T2 becomes fixed pitchPh. In this case, the deviation amount from the origin position ofnumber one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61 b when changing fromempty number one and number two cavities Ct1 and Ct2 to number one andnumber two cavities Ct1 and Ct2 with number one and number twocomponents e1 and e2, is calculated from the count of the pulse quantityof number two gear motor 62 b and reading of number one and number twomarks M1 and M2 by number one and number two sprocket tooth detectiondevices 63 a and 63 b. Then, based on this deviation amount and thealready known distance between number two detection position Ld2 and theorigin position of number one and number two sprockets 61 a and 61 b,number one and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 are calculated sothat the pitch after splicing between number one indexing holes Hc1 ofnumber one carrier tape T1 and number two indexing holes Hc2 of numbertwo carrier tape T2 becomes fixed pitch Ph.

Control device 59 judges whether deciding the conveyance positions ofnumber two carrier tape T2 and number one carrier tape T1 has beencompleted (step S14), and in this case, because only deciding theconveyance position of number two carrier tape T2 has been completed,processing returns to step S4 and it judges whether a detection signalhas been received from number one tape detection device 64 a, in otherwords, as to whether the tail end of number one tape T1 has beeninserted into number one conveyance path 60 a from number one tape inlet84 a. Then, if a detection signal is received from number one tapedetection device 64 a, rotation of number one sprocket 61 a is started(step S5), and number one moving member 77 a of number one takeup member75 a is moved up and positioned (step S6) at number one aperture formingposition Rb1.

Control device 59 judges (step S7) whether the inserted tape is numbertwo carrier tape T2, and in this case a detection signal has beenreceived from number one detection device 64 a, so it judges that theinserted tape is number one carrier tape T1, and because fixed pitch Pcbetween number one cavities Ct1 is the same as the already calculatedfixed pitch Pc between number two cavities Ct2, it judges (step S11)whether a detection signal detecting the change from an empty number onecavity Ct1 to a number one cavity Ct1 with a number one component e1 isreceived from number one component detection device 52.

Control device 59, if it detects a change to a number one cavity Ct1with a number one component e, calculates number one cutting point Q1 ofnumber one carrier tape T1 from the number one distance D1 between thealready known number one detection position Lc1 and number one cuttingposition Ld1, and fixed pitch Pc between number one cavities Ct1. Then,number one carrier tape T1 is moved number one distance D1, number oneunnecessary section Tf1 is taken up inside number one takeup member 75 afrom number one aperture 80 a, and the conveyance position of number onecutting point Q1 is decided at number one cutting position Lc1.

Control device 59 judges whether deciding the conveyance positions ofnumber two carrier tape T2 and number one carrier tape T1 has beencompleted (step S14), and in this case, because deciding the conveyanceposition of number two carrier tape T2 and number one carrier tape T1has been completed, as shown in FIG. 20, number one and number twocutters 68 a and 68 b are respectively lowered along with number one andnumber two pressing members 72 a and 72 b, and the area around numberone and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number twocarrier tapes T1 and T2 positioned at number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2 is pressed and fixed using number one and numbertwo pressing members 72 a and 72 b. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, numberone and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b are respectively loweredfurther and number one and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 of numberone and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are cut (step S15). Cutnumber one and number two unnecessary sections Tf1 and Tf2 of number oneand number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are guided by number one andnumber two ducts 82 a 82 b and discarded into number one and number twodisposal points 81 a and 81 b.

Described above was the situation for the type of tape shown in FIG. 11(FIG. 12 [A]) as number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2, sodescribed below is the operation when cutting number one and number twoembossed tapes T1 e and T2 e shown in FIG. (D). As shown in FIG. 22,when number one and number two embossed tapes T1 e and T2 e are conveyedalong number one and number two conveyance paths 60 a and 60 b, numberone and number two cavities Cte1 and Cte2 are conveyed inside number oneand number two narrow grooves 65 a and 65 b (refer to FIG. 22 [A]).Then, when number one and number two embossed tapes T1 e and T2 e getclose to number one and number two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2, numberone and number two cavities Cte1 and Cte2 ride on number one and numbertwo plate springs 66 a and 66 b, go past number one and number twocutting positions Lc1 and Lc2, and number one and number two cuttingpoints Q1 and Q2 are positioned at number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2 (refer to FIG. 22 [B]).

Then, when number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b arerespectively lowered along with number one and number two pressingmembers 72 a and 72 b, number one and number two pressing members 72 aand 72 b press and fix the area around number one and number two cuttingpoints Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two embossed tapes T1 e and T2e positioned at number one and number two cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2.At this time, number one and number two cavities Cte1 and Cte2 areelastically deformed under number one and number two plate springs 66 aand 66 b and stored in number one and number two narrow grooves 65 a and65 b (refer to FIG. 22 [C]). By this, because number one and number twocutting points Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two embossed tapes T1e and T2 e are positioned with high accuracy at number one and numbertwo cutting positions Lc1 and Lc2, the cutting accuracy of number oneand number two embossed tapes T1 e and T2 e can be improved.

Then, when number one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b arerespectively raised along with number one and number two pressingmembers 72 a and 72 b, number one and number two plate springs 66 a and66 b return to their original position and number one and number twocavities Cte1 and Cte2 around number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2 are raised above number one and number two narrowgrooves 65 a and 65 b (refer to FIG. 22 [D]). By this, number one andnumber two cavities Cte1 and Cte2 can ride on number one and number twoplate springs 66 a and 66 b to go past number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2, so conveyance of number one and number twoembossed tapes T1 e and T2 e can be performed smoothly.

Control device 59 judges whether a detection signal is received fromnumber one and number two cutter detection devices 74 a and 74 b, inother words, judges whether cutting of number one and number two cuttingpoints Q1 and Q2 of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 bynumber one and number two cutters 68 a and 68 b has been completed (stepS16). Then, when a detection signal is received from number one andnumber two cutter detection devices 74 a and 74 b, as shown in FIG. 23,number one and number two movable members 77 a and 77 b of number oneand number two takeup members 75 a and 75 b are moved down andrespectively positioned (step S17) at number one and number twoconveyance positions Ra1 and Ra2. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, rotation isstarted (step S18) respectively of number one and number two sprockets61 a and 61 b, and number one and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 ofnumber one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are respectively moved(step S19) by just number three and number four distances D3 and D4between splicing position Ls and number one and number two cuttingpositions Lc1 and Lc2. Then, rotation is stopped respectively of numberone and number two sprockets 61 a and 61 b and the conveyance positionof number one and number two cutting points Q1 and Q2 is decided atsplicing position Ls.

A positioning device which positions number one and number two carriertapes T1 and T2 at splicing position LS at which positioning pins 93 and94 engage with indexing holes Hc1 and Hc2 of number one and number twocarrier tapes T1 and T2 is configured from the above number one andnumber two tape indexing devices 50 and 51, and the above step S19 andso on.

By this, the ends of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2inserted into number one and number two tape inlets 84 a and 84 b arepositioned at splicing position LS without any deviation in pitcharising. By the above, splicing preparation processes are complete, sonext the splicing process is performed.

The three-layer structure of base paper 32, splicing tape 30, andprotective tape 31 wound around supply reel 33 is pulled out from supplyreel 33 and base paper 32 is peeled and indexed by base paper indexingdevice 35. On the other hand, protective tape 31 affixed to splicingtape 30 is indexed by protective tape indexing device 36 and conveyed tosplicing position LS.

When one of the two pieces making up one set of splicing tape 30 aaffixed to protective tape 31, in other words, splicing tape 30 a formedwith positioning holes 30 a 1, is detected by metal detection sensor 47,protective tape 31 is indexed from that detection position a fixedamount S1 by protective tape indexing device 36. By this, splicing tape30 a is positioned in a position capable of being engaged with numberone positioning pins 93 and 94 of joining device 58 provided at splicingposition LS, and in that state, the respective ends of number one andnumber two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are on standby until positioned atsplicing position LS.

When number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are respectivelypositioned at predetermined points, cam drum 110 is rotated by a movingmotor omitted from the figures. By the rotation of cam drum 110, first,number one raising/lowering platform 91 is raised via number onefollower roller omitted from the figures which engages with number onecam groove 110 a.

By the raising of number one raising/lowering platform 91, number onepositioning pins 93 and 94 respectively engage with each indexing holeHc of the two carrier tapes T1 and T2, and positioning holes 30 a 1 ofsplicing tape 30 a. Here, between splicing tape 30 a and carrier tapesT1 and T2, as shown in FIG. 31 (A), because retainer plate 97 ispresent, carrier tapes T1 and T2 do not get attached to splicing tape 30a. By this, a fixed three-way positional relationship is maintainedbetween the two carrier tapes T1 and T2 and splicing tape 30 a which isto connect them.

Next, via number two follower roller omitted from the figures engagingwith number two cam groove 110 b, moving platform 96 is moved in ahorizontal direction, and retainer plate 97 present between splicingtape 30 a and carrier tapes T1 and T2 is retracted with respect tonumber one raising/lowering platform 91, such that splicing tape 30 aand carrier tapes T1 and T2 can be connected.

Next, via number three follower roller omitted from the figures whichengages with number three cam groove 110 c, moving platform 109 is movedhorizontally, and rotating platform 103 is rotated in the clockwisedirection of FIG. 28 by the horizontal movement of this moving platform109 by rack and pinion mechanism (107 and 108). By the rotation of thisrotating platform 103, as shown in FIG. 31 (B), protective tape 31engaged with number two positioning pins 105 is folded, and the othersplicing tape (30 b) of the one set made from two pieces is flipped sothat the attachment surface is facing down in a position below carriertapes T1 and T2. In other words, protective tape 31 is folded tosandwich carrier tapes T1 and T2, and one splicing tape 30 a ispositioned below carrier tapes T1 and T2, and the other splicing tape 30b is positioned above carrier tapes T1 and T2. Here, the motor ofprotective tape indexing device 36 is reverse rotated, so slack isprovided to protective tape 31 to allow protective tape 31 to be folded.

Continuing, number two raising/lowering platform 101 is lowered vianumber four follower roller omitted from the figures which engages withnumber four cam groove 110 d. When number two raising/lowering platform101 is lowered, as shown in FIG. 31 (C), number two positioning pins 105are engaged from the reverse side of protective tape 31 with positioningholes 31 b of protective tape 31, indexing holes Hc of carrier tapes T1and T2, and positioning holes 30 a 1 of splicing tape 30 a.

Further, by the lowering of number two raising/lowering platform 101,with carrier tapes T1 and T2 sandwiched, folded protective tape 31 ispressed between pressing plate 103 a of rotating platform 103 and numberone raising/lowering platform 91. By this pressing, one of splicing tape30 a affixed to protective tape 31 is attached to the lower surface(bottom surface) of carrier tapes T1 and T2 straddling thereof, and theother splicing tape 30 b is attached to each cover tape Tt on the uppersurface of carrier tapes T1 and T2 straddling thereof, such that thetail end of number one carrier tape T1 and the leading end of number twocarrier tape Ts2 are connected to each other. This pressing state isheld for a fixed time (several seconds).

Because the connection of the two carrier tapes T1 and T2 using splicingtape 30 is performed in a state in which relative deviation is limitedby carrier tapes T1 and T2 and splicing tapes 30 a and 30 b being heldby number one and number two positioning pins 93, 94, and 105, the twocarrier tapes T1 and T2 can be joined accurately without any pitchdeviation arising.

The above joining of the two carrier tapes T1 and T2 using splicing tape30 is completed by the approximately 180 degree rotation of cam drum110, and each configuration member returns to its original positionthrough the reverse operation to the above by the rotation through theremaining 180 degrees.

In other words, first, along with number two raising/lowering platform101 being raised, rotating platform 103 being raised with respect tonumber one raising/lowering platform 91, and the pressing of foldedprotective tape 31 being released, number two positioning pins 105 areseparated from positioning holes 30 a 1 of splicing tape 30 a and eachindexing hole Hc of number one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2.Here, because the adhesion with respect to carrier tapes T1 and T2 ofsplicing tape 30 is high, protective tape 31 is easily separated fromsplicing tape 30 thanks to the spring return power of protective tape 31due to the release of the pressing of protective tape 31, and splicingtape 30 does not get peeled from carrier tapes T1 and T2.

Continuing, along with rotating platform 103 being rotated in thecounterclockwise direction of FIG. 28 via the rack and pinion mechanism(108 and 107), protective tape indexing motor 36 is rotated in thenormal direction and the slack in protective tape 31 is eliminated.

Then, along with retainer plate 97 being advanced, number oneraising/lowering platform 91 is lowered, and number one positioning pins93 and 94 are separated from positioning holes 30 a 1 of splicing tape30 a and each indexing hole Hc of the two carrier tapes T1 and T2. Onthe other hand, at base paper indexing device 35, the motor is driven,tension is applied to base paper 32, and just the required amount ofbase paper 32 is peeled. In this manner, the joining of the tail end ofnumber one carrier tape T1 and the leading end of number two carriertape T2 is completed.

When the two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are joined to each other usingsplicing tape 30, lid 22 of splicing device 20 is opened, and splicednumber one and number two carrier tapes T1 and T2 are removed fromsplicing device 20. Then, reel 12 wound with number two carrier tape T2is set on tape feeder 10, and splicing processing is completed. By this,components are replenished to tape feeder 10, and component mountingwork can be performed continuously at the component mounter withoutstopping the machine.

Because metal powder is embedded in splicing tape 30 connected tocarrier tapes T1 and T2, the splicing position can be detected easily byproviding a metal detection sensor on tape feeder 10.

According to the above configuration, the cutting of the carrier tapesand the joining with splicing tape 30 for splicing the two carrier tapesT1 and T2 can be performed automatically, and it is possible toeliminate deviation in the pitch of the connection sections of the twocarrier tapes T1 and T2 which arises during conventional manual work. Bythis, the occurrence of pickup errors and image processing errors due todeviation in the pitch of the connection sections can be controlled.

Further, by performing splicing automatically, the time required forsplicing can be reduced, and by this, splicing processing can becompleted without stopping the component mounter, and, as well ascontrolling the occurrence of image processing error and the occurrenceof pickup errors, the efficiency of the component mounter can beimproved by a large amount.

Also, because splicing tape 30 and the two carrier tapes T1 and T2positioned at a fixed splicing position are engaged with each other bypositioning pins 93 and 94, when the two carrier tapes T1 and T2 arejoined, splicing tape 30 can be joined at an accurate position withrespect to the two carrier tapes T1 and T2, and the splicing accuracycan be improved.

According to the above embodiment, because connected base paper 32 isattached to the adhesive surface of splicing tape 30 and supply reel 33wound with base paper 32, splicing tape 30 and protective tape 31 in aroll shape is used, it is possible to supply many splicing tapes 30 tojoining device 58 by supply reel 33 being set on splicing device 20, andit is easy to perform supply of splicing tape 30 to the splicingposition.

For the above embodiment, an example was given in which the three-layerstructure of base paper 32, splicing tape 30, and protective tape 31 waswound around supply reel 33 in a roll shape, but it is possible to dowithout base paper 32 and use even more splicing tapes 30 on supply reel33 by having a two-layer structure of splicing tape 30 and protectivetape 31. In this case, the attachment surface (the surface to beattached to carrier tapes T1 and T2) of splicing tape 30 contacts thereverse surface of protective tape 31 wound in a roll shape, but byconsidering the adhesive, it is possible to avoid peeling splicing tape30 when pulling out protective tape 31.

Also, according to the above embodiment, an example was given in whicheach configuration member of joining device 58 is moved mechanicallyusing cam drum 110 so that protective tape 31 is folded and splicingtape 30 joined to carrier tapes T1 and T2, but it is also possible tooperate each configuration member of joining device 58 separately usingactuators.

According to the above embodiment, because metal powder is embedded insplicing tape 30 and the position of splicing tape 30 is determined atthe splicing position based on the signal of metal detection sensor 47which detects the metal, the position of splicing tape 30 can beaccurately determined at the splicing position without being affected byfactors such as stretch in protective tape 31.

In such ways, the present invention is not limited to the configurationsprovided in the embodiment and there are various possible embodimentswhich do not extend beyond the range of the object of the presentinvention as given in the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

10: Tape feeder; 12: Reel; 20: Splicing device; 21: Housing; 22: Lid; 30(30 a, 30 b): Splicing tape; 31: Protective tape; 32: Base paper; 33:Supply reel; 35: Base paper indexing device; 36: Protective tapeindexing device; 46: Reel for indexing; 47: Metal detection sensor; 50,51: Tape indexing device; 54, 55: Cutting device; 58: Joining device;T1, T2: Carrier tape; Hc1, Hc2: Indexing holes; Tt: Cover tape

The invention claimed is:
 1. A splicing device which connects a numberone carrier tape and a number two carrier tape each provided withcavities for storing components and indexing holes at fixed intervalsusing a splicing tape, comprising: number one and number two cuttingdevices for respectively cutting at a predetermined cutting position atail end of the number one carrier tape and a leading end of the numbertwo carrier tape; a positioning device for indexing the number one andnumber two carrier tapes cut by the number one and number two cuttingdevices in an indexing direction towards each other and for positioningthem at a splicing position, the positioning device includingpositioning pins that engage in the indexing holes of the number onecarrier tape and the indexing holes of the number two carrier tape; anda joining device which, at the splicing position, uses the splicing tapeindexed in a direction perpendicular to the indexing direction of thenumber one and number two carrier tapes, wherein the splicing tapeincludes a first piece and a second piece that are each connected to aprotective tape on a first side of the splicing tape and an attachmentsurface of the splicing tape that is configured to be connected to thenumber one and number two carrier tapes is on a second side of thesplicing tape, with the splicing tape positioned at the splicingposition, the joining device engages the first piece by the positioningpins and joins the first piece to a top surface of the number one andthe number two carrier tapes, and the joining device folds theprotective tape, engages the second piece by the positioning pins, andjoins the second piece to a bottom surface of the number one and numbertwo carrier tapes.
 2. The splicing device from claim 1, wherein a basepaper is attached to the attachment surface of the splicing tape, and asupply reel includes the base paper, the splicing tape, and theprotective tape wound in a roll.
 3. The splicing device from claim 1,wherein a metal is embedded in the splicing tape, and the protectivetape is indexed a predetermined amount and the position of the splicingtape is determined at the splicing position based on a signal of a metaldetection sensor that detects the metal.
 4. The splicing device fromclaim 1, wherein the joining device has an engaging member which engageswith and moves the positioning pins of the positioning device.
 5. Asplicing method which connects a number one carrier tape and a numbertwo carrier tape each provided with cavities for storing components andindexing holes at fixed intervals using a splicing tape, the methodcomprising: cutting a tail end of the number one carrier tape and aleading end of the number two carrier tape respectively at apredetermined cutting position; indexing with positioning pins providedat a splicing position a protective tape connected to the splicing tapein a direction perpendicular to an indexing direction of the number oneand number two carrier tapes, a position of the splicing tape connectedto the protective tape being determined at the splicing position;indexing the cut number one and number two carrier tapes in a directiontowards each other, by engaging indexing holes of the number one carriertape and indexing holes of number two carrier tape with the positioningpins; joining a first piece of the splicing tape engaged with thepositioning pins to a first surface of each of the number one and numbertwo carrier tapes; and folding back the protective tape, engaging thepositioning pins with a second piece of the splicing tape, and joiningthe second piece of the splicing tape to a top surface of each of thenumber one and number two carrier tapes.